Description

Watergate Cake is a classic, moist yellow cake layered with a creamy pistachio filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream and chopped nuts. This nostalgic dessert blends sweet and nutty flavors with light, airy texture—perfect for potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Yellow cake mix (plus ingredients required by the mix)
Instant pistachio pudding mix
Milk
Cream cheese (softened)
Butter (softened)
Powdered sugar
Whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Chopped pecans or walnuts
Vanilla extract

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Instructions

Bake cake: Prepare and bake the yellow cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely.
Make pistachio filling: Whisk instant pistachio pudding mix with milk until thickened.
Prepare cream cheese frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Combine filling and frosting: Fold whipped topping and pistachio pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Assemble cake: Spread pistachio filling evenly between cake layers and over the top.
Garnish: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use homemade yellow or white cake for a scratch version.Omit nuts or substitute with seeds for nut-free option.Add crushed pineapple or mandarin oranges to filling for a fruity twist.Almond extract can boost the nutty flavor in the filling.Use gluten-free cake mix to make it gluten-free.